HOW DO I BECOME I AN MBTA TRANSIT POLICE OFFICER?
The MBTA Transit Police Department is a Civil Service Department. The first step is to take the
Massachusetts Civil Service Entry Level Police Officer Exam. The MBTA Transit Police
Department can be selected as one of the applicant’s choices. Further information can be
provided by contacting the Executive Office for Administration and Finance,
http://www.mass.gov/anf/employment-equal-access-disability/civil-serv-info/
Answer: You are not required to be a Resident of Massachusetts to become an Officer with the
Transit Police Department. Minimum qualifications are:
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT:
A high school diploma or equivalency certificate issued by the Massachusetts Department of
Education OR Three years in the armed forces of the United States with last release or discharge
under honorable conditions .
AGE REQUIREMENT:
You must be at least 21 years of age prior to the posted civil service examination cutoff date.
WRITTEN EXAMINATION:
You must take the written examination in order to be placed on the eligible list for appointment as
a Transit Police Officer. You may also be eligible to claim preferences listed below.
RESIDENCY PREFERENCE
You are not required to be a resident of Massachusetts to become an Officer with the Transit
Police Department.
MEDICAL EXAM:
You must pass both a medical examination and a psychological evaluation before you are
appointed.
SMOKING PROHIBITED:
Police Officers hired from the eligible list resulting from this examination are prohibited from
smoking tobacco products at the time of and after appointment, according to Chapter 41, Section
101A, of the Massachusetts General Laws.
CHARACTER:
No person who has been convicted of a felony shall be appointed as a Transit Police Officer. A
candidate may be disqualified for evidence of character clearly unsuited for police services. A
comprehensive background check as part of the selection process will be required.
DRIVER'S LICENSE:
A valid motor vehicle operator's license is required before you will be hired by the Transit Police
Departments.
ACADEMY TRAINING:
All candidates will be hired as full-time police officers as a result of the state administered civil
service examination, and will be required to attend and successfully complete a basic recruit
training academy.
DUTIES:
A Transit Police Officer specializes in maintaining order and balance on the transportation system
and responsible for keeping the public safe on subways and buses. The Department exercises
street railway police powers on the vehicles, properties and rights of way that comprise the
Commuter Rail System. Outside the one hundred seventy-five (175) cities and towns or the
boundaries of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Transit Officers have full power of
jurisdiction, meaning they can arrest for other crimes when necessary. Transit Officers work
under supervision to perform law enforcement duties, protecting life, property, and the civil rights
of individuals. Primary duties include patrol; interacting with citizens to provide service and render
assistance, preparing and completing reports and other paperwork documenting incidents for use
in prosecution.